Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear - Beyoncé, Jessie J, Karen O

Jessie J, Ariana & Nicki Minaj: 'Bang Bang' (released September 21)If there's one trait we love in a pop artist, it's a fighting spirit to succeed even when the odds may be stacking higher against them. Jessie J didn't have the smoothest campaign with her second album Alive last year, but the lead single for #Album3 ensures that she's not going to slip out of the limelight any time soon. The British star has teamed up with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj for 'Bang Bang', with each of them bursting through the bouncy pop number with attitude and spark.

Karen O: 'Rapt' (released September 9)Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O has described her new album as "the soundtrack to what was an ever-continuing love crusade". Any romantic, sepia-tinted ideals of 'Rapt' based on the 'l-word', however, are quickly thwarted with her musing: "Love's a f**king bitch/ Do I really need another habit like you?"

Hilary Duff: 'Chasing the Sun' (release TBC)It's been seven years since Hilary Duff's last album Dignity, so fans welcomed the news that a fresh collection is on the way. Promises of a more mature, guitar-led sound worried pop lovers, but as lead single 'Chasing the Sun' proves, Hilary can develop her sound and keep those hooks as catchy as ever.

Prides: 'I Should Know You Better' (released September 29)Everyone's favorite Scottish synth-pop trio Prides have premiered their next single, and it's a bit of a banger. Luminous harmonies find themselves scattered across a finely crafted balance of guitars and effortless electronic flourishes.

Beyoncé ft. Nicki Minaj: 'Flawless'Beyoncé has become quite good at keeping her fans on their toes with her latest self-titled album. The latest surprise comes in the form of a 'Flawless' remix by Hit-Boy featuring the currently very busy Nicki Minaj. The whole track has been given a glitchy hip-hop makeover with Outkast sample and Bey mentioning that elevator incident, not to mention Miss Minaj nabbing it a Parental Advisory tag.

REMI: 'XTC Party' (released August 18)There's a lot of buzz around Melbourne artist REMI in Australia, and it's easy to hear why. His ice-cool flow sits nicely over the breezy '90s-tinged hip-hop production, which he has been taking out on the road with the likes of Joey Bada$$, Danny Brown and De La Soul.

Waylayers: 'Footsie' (released September 15)While Harry Lee's vocal tone may initially echo Coldplay's Chris Martin, Waylayers' new single sits more comfortably next to Disclosure. 'Footsie' - lifted from their upcoming double A-side release - combines indie disco with twangs of modern deep house. With plenty of US buzz and the new EP out next month, the East London trio are quickly building momentum.

Azealia Banks: 'Heavy Metal and Reflective' (out now)Shy and retiring wallflower Azealia Banks is back with her first song since her wish of being let go by her record label came true. With hip hop drums and a pounding synth-smothered beat, it seems wise to follow her tweeted advice and "Start shaking ya ass!!!" Now where's that album we were promised two years ago...

Joel Compass: 'Girlfriends' (released September 14)Joel Compass has treated us to another track from his forthcoming debut album, following on from his top 40 hit 'Forgive Me'. 'Girlfriends' is a smooth cut of Compass's R&B vocals softly pressed against subtle house beats and selective touches on the piano.

Nicki Minaj: 'Anaconda' (out now)The "Oh my gosh, look at her butt" exclamation in Nicki Minaj's new song is a less than subtle reference to the risqué artwork she snuck online the other week. While 'Anaconda' has the vague air of when you leave multiple browser tabs open and they all start playing at the same time, it's difficult not to be a fan of a song that samples Sir Mix-a-Lot in 2014.

What are your favorite tracks on this week's playlist? Leave your comments in the box below: